Frauscher Sensor Technology has completed the divestiture to Wabtec Corporation.

Find Out More
Axle counting adds fail-safe control to laser diagnostics
Train DetectionFrance

Axle counting adds fail-safe control to laser diagnostics

Country
France
Partner
MERMEC
Segment
Main & Regional Line
Application
Track Vacancy Detection
Products
FAdC®, RSR123
Year
2025
Download

When MERMEC set out to install a laser-based Wheel Profile Measurement System in close proximity to the Eurotunnel, they faced a critical challenge: how to avoid unintended laser exposure without compromising the system’s ability to inspect up to 200 trains per day. To meet these requirements, MERMEC partnered with Frauscher.

In 2025, MERMEC commissioned the installation of a high-speed, laser-based Wheel Profile Measurement System for trains entering the Eurotunnel, capable of scanning up to 150 axles per train across nearly 200 trains per day at speeds up to 100 km/h. The constrained track layout left no room for protective barriers, creating a critical safety risk of unintended laser exposure to passengers and nearby trains.

To address this challenge, MERMEC partnered with Frauscher, utilising their Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® and Wheel Sensors RSR123. Frauscher developed a fully integrated, fail-safe solution that directly interfaces with MERMEC’s laser system. The system dynamically activates and deactivates laser emissions in real time based on train presence, monitored through two critical track sections. Relay outputs are configured to default to a safe state in the event of power loss or faults, ensuring maximum protection.

Delivered as a pre-configured, tested cubical, the solution simplified deployment and minimised on-site installation effort. Frauscher provided full support during commissioning and handover, enabling seamless integration. By combining precise axle counting with automated laser control, the project achieved a fully safety-certified, future-ready setup that eliminates manual intervention and mitigates the risk of accidental exposure, ensuring reliable, high-speed wheel inspections in a busy mainline environment.

Partnering with Frauscher on the prestigious Eurotunnel project highlights the power of combining complementary strengths. By bringing our advanced expertise and innovation capabilities together with Frauscher’s renowned know-how, we created a synergy that enabled us to tackle complex challenges and deliver exceptional results.
Enrico Betterle

MERMEC

Dual-track monitoring

The FAdC® monitors both adjacent track sections in parallel, enabling precise control of laser triggering based on real-time train detection.

Fail-safe safety logic

Relay outputs are designed to default to a safe state during outages, preventing unintended laser operation.

Turnkey system integration

Solution was delivered in a pre-configured cubical, being fully tested and ready for deployment, with installation support included.

Dynamic control for live environments

The intelligent interface ensures that laser systems only activate when safe to do so which is crucial in busy mainline applications.

Future-ready platform

The flexible internal logic of the FAdC® allows the system to be customised according to operator´s needs, offering a flexible and reliable solution.

Similar Projects
This might also interest you
1/5
Train DetectionUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Borders Railway Project

From Shawfair to Tweedbank, the Borders Railway rail route underwent significant renovations after 45 years of disconnect due to Beeching cuts. Our Frauscher UK & Ireland team were involved in providing innovative solutions for train detection for a section of the Borders Railway route.
Learn More
Train DetectionDenmark

Renewal signalling FAdC® and RSR123

Banedanmark, the Danish railway infrastructure owner, started replacing the existing signalling system in the Eastern region of Denmark in 2009 to implement the newest proven signalling technology, based on standard industrial hardware components and redundant system configurations. Uniform system interfaces should reduce signalling failures to provide a better reliability and punctuality of the entire network. For this project, Frauscher delivered the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® and the Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR123.
Learn More
Train DetectionChina

Fenghuang Maglev

Fenghuang Maglev is a medium-low speed maglev rapid transit line. Since maglev trains do not have wheels, traditional wheel-based detection systems cannot be directly applied to maglev traffic engineering.
Learn More
Train DetectionIndia

Ensuring reliable rail operations across India´s longest rail-road bridge

The Bogibeel Bridge is India’s longest rail-road bridge that connects Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, carrying both rail and road traffic across the Brahmaputra River. Harsh environmental conditions and structural constraints made conventional signalling unworkable. The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® axle counting system was selected for its proven reliability and low maintenance under these challenging conditions.
Learn More
Train Detection, ServicesIndia

Sini - Chandil Railway Line

The Sini-Chandil railway line is a crucial rail connection located in the state of Jharkhand, which lies in the eastern coastal region of India. This railway line holds significant strategic importance for the entire region, and now incorporates Frauscher solutions, including the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®, Wheel Sensor RSR180 and the Frauscher Insights applications Diagnostics and Motion.
Learn More